PREVIEW: Discard Avant Garb Recycled Fashion Show Returns October 11
The beloved and wildly creative Discard Avant Garb Recycled Fashion Show is back. Everyone is invited to save the date for Sunday, October 11, 2026, for an evening celebrating fashion, sustainability, and the arts.
Sponsored by the Albany Elks Lodge #49 in partnership with Metroland Now, the event will benefit Albany Center Gallery and its youth art program.
“I am very excited that we are once again bringing together amazingly creative people to play with trash,” says co-organizer Helen Martin. “I personally love the process of figuring out how to use nontraditional materials to do something as basic as covering our bodies. I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with and to celebrate with our arts community.”
Originally conceived in 1999 by organizers Valerie P. Funk, Roxanne Storms, Molly Suwara, and Helen Martin, the event has raised more than $30,000 for nonprofit educational and arts organizations throughout the Capital Region.
The legendary Mary Panza will emcee the show as Capital Region artists transform discarded and recycled materials into imaginative wearable art. Designers create one-of-a-kind garments using items that would otherwise be considered trash, including packing materials, newspapers, onion bags, bottle caps, cassette tapes, plastic shopping bags, wire, socks, gloves, toys, and vinyl records.
These inventive creations are then presented in a high-energy fashion show that blends art, performance, and environmental awareness.
“The most exciting part of this upcoming show for me personally is that it is going to be a reunion of sorts,” says co-organizer Roxanne Delfavero. “Most of our original artists are participating and I can't wait to see the creations by these incredible artists!”
Additional event details, including venue information and ticket availability, will be announced soon.
